After a disappointing 6-11 finish in 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs have to hit the reset button for 2026. Injuries and inconsistencies on the offensive side of the football derailed a trip to the postseason. Suddenly, their dynasty is taking a left turn. So, what must the Kansas City Chiefs do in the offseason to become AFC contenders?
Facilitate Patrick Mahomes
The first thing the Chiefs must do this offseason is prioritize the health of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He is currently recovering from a torn ACL and LCL suffered back in December 2025. Initial reports suggest a lengthy absence, but recent updates indicate that Mahomes is ahead of schedule. He plans to start for the 2026 season opener.
The Chiefs must ensure that Mahomes has a reliable backup quarterback. This can be vital for early-season security. He is getting older and not as athletic as he once was.
Address the Salary Cap Abyss
If the Chiefs want to become contenders, then general manager Brett Veach has to dig the organization out of the salary cap abyss. The team has already released high-priced veteran players including tackle Jawaan Taylor and pass rusher Michael Danna. The process has saved them nearly $29 million in cap.
They cleared an additional $13.6 million when they traded All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. Kansas City also has to redo some of its most expensive budgets, including the ones for players Chris Jones, Trey Smith, and Nick Bolton.
Contending at the Running Back Spot
Jeremiyah Love Draft
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown in the first half of a NCAA football game against Syracuse at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend.
For the Chiefs to be contenders, they must spend the off-season addressing their backfield. Analysts and journalists alike have identified the lack of an explosive ground attack as a primary reason for their slump in 2025.
The Chiefs are considered a top landing spot for reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III or even Travis Etienne Jr. Both of them can provide a strength to a terrible running game to watch last season.
If they do not sign a veteran, they may use their top ten draft pick on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who leads this year’s running back class.
Contention on Defensive Line
The Chiefs are also going to need to rebuild their defensive line depth if they are going to contend in the AFC. The pass rush struggled in 2025, recording just 35 sacks last season. With many defensive linemen hitting free agency, the organization must find youth and athleticism to pair with Chris Jones.
Several free agent names include Charles Omenchu, Jerry Tillery, and Derrick Nnadi.
So what must the Chiefs do to become contenders? The four solutions listed above can set them back into the AFC hunt.
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